Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley is hoping that the club’s travelling army will make a big difference in their FA Cup third qualifying round tie at Witton Albion on Saturday.

Three busloads of fans are making the trip across country for the clash against the fourth placed Evostik Premier Division side, and Ainsley said: “Our supporters were fantastic in the last round when we won away at Ashton United. There was black and white everywhere, with loads of noise. We are taking another 150 plus over to Witton and that will give the players a massive boost again.

“We have had Witton watched and know they are a very good footballing side that are scoring lots of goals at the moment and are full of confidence. The pitch is fantastic which should suit both teams as we like to get the ball on the floor as well, and it has the makings of a tremendous cup tie. We really need to play well to have any chance of going through to the next round but I know the lads are really focused and are right up for the challenge.”

Midfielder Sam Garvie is missing because of injury, while striker Gavin Barton and Sonny Andrews are both cuptied having played for their previous clubs in the competition.

Hebburn, one of the lowest ranking teams left in the competition, are at Radcliffe Borough from the Evostik League First Division North.

The second division side travelled over to Manchester yesterday afternoon for an overnight stay in a hotel, which manager Paul Bennett hopes will give them an added edge. They used a local hotel as part of their build up to win against Runcorn Linnets in the last round.

“It’s the biggest game in the club’s history, so we have to make sure that we prepare properly,” said Bennett.

“It’s a big game for everybody involved, and we’re going into the game as massive underdogs.

“We were hoping to see them play in the last two midweeks, but their games have been postponed. I know that they watched us lose 6-3 at Brandon last Saturday, but we were terrible, and I don’t think they would have learned too much from it.

“Our players must make sure that they’re focussed, and if they play to their potential, then we can go through.”

Keeper Jak Wells is added to the squad, but Dan Regan will probably keep his place.

Ashington, who beat Vauxhall Motors in the last round, are at home to another Blue Square North team Guiseley.

Ashington go into the game without three players, who have suffered injuries serious enough on the field of play in recent weeks to warrant the game to be halted while an ambulance arrives.

Striker Gareth Bainbridge has a dislocated shoulder, defender Darren Lough has a fractured skull, and striker Stephen Young has a broken ankle.

Guiseley have just signed former Darlington striker Kevin Gall from Workington.

In the other tie concerning north east clubs, Whitby Town are at home to Blyth. Whitby are currently lying third bottom of the Evostik Premier Division without a home win in the league this season.

Blyth have received international clearance from Australia for striker Richard Offiong, who started his career at Newcastle, and has had two loan spells with Darlington. Blyth are currently third bottom of the Blue Square North.